Transforming how Industry,
Universities and Research
Work Together

Supporting Optimisation of
Resource Operations
by developing New Technologies

Equipping Innovators
with the Skills and Knowledge
to Transform the Sector

Purpose

James Cook University is partnering with the University of Queensland and Curtin University in the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer is part of the Australian Government’s Department of Education Trailblazer Universities Program.  

The purpose of the Trailblazer is to:

  • Commercialise university innovations and build lasting research and industry capability.
  • Accelerate innovation and industry technology readiness to build new pathways and groundbreaking ways of working.
  • Build sustainable university transformation to change the way industry-led research is embedded, facilitated, taught and rewarded.

Projects

The Trailblazer program drives engagement between universities and stakeholders from industry and education and provides funding support for:

  • Industry-driven research projects related to critical minerals and resources technology   
  • Engagement with schools and the VET sector

 

JCU Trailblazer Research projects are interdisciplinary across JCU Geoscience, Engineering and Physical Sciences, and are focused on: 

  • Discovery of Critical Minerals
  • Advances in Mining Technology, and the
  • Production of Battery Minerals.

The JCU Trailblazer team also work with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) to:

Events

The JCU Trailblazer team regularly hosts events to promote engagement between the university and the resource sectors in industry and government. 

Coming up soon:

JCU Trailblazer Research Showcase 2026

On 12 August  JCU will host a Research Showcase to share progress and results from JCU Trailblazer Research Projects developed with industry and government partners.  

There will be presentations, a poster display and networking opportunities. 

The Showcase is a free and open event, and we invite colleagues from industry, government and the wider community to join us. 

Registration for the Showcase is essential.   Please register here.

Preliminary program of presentations…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Events:

Research Showcase & University Transformation Session 2025
More…

Regional Trailblazer Showcase & Forum 2024
EGRU hosted the inaugural Regional Trailblazer Showcase & Stakeholder Forum in Townsville in September 2024. 

The event included representatives from industry, government and research and featured presentations from:

  • Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals
  • Critical Minerals Queensland Office
  • Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure
  • Queensland Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water
  • Queensland Resources Council
  • Resource Industry Professionals from Multi-Nationals, Local Companies, Consultancies
  • University Researchers

More…

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